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Gabe Ayers
KeymasterMink-
Log length all depends on the market for which you are cutting. If you are milling the logs onsite with a portable mill, you can cut whatever lengths you need for the finished boards, assuming the carriage on the mill can handle the length and weight. Also, if you are dealing with long lengths (>16 feet) you should make sure the mill operator has some method to lift the logs onto the mill (ask your sawyer). If you are cutting logs to sell, then it is another ballgame completely. Usually, mills that produce dimensional lumber want two foot increments, from 8′ to 16′ with 6″ trim on each log. Sometimes they will do one foot increments, particularly with high grade hardwood. The best thing to do is identify where you want to send the wood (a local trucker can help with this) and then get their log spec sheet. The mills are quite picky, so it is best to know exactly what they want before you start up your saw (in my opinion anyways). Also, the log lengths you cut affect how much wood the trucker can load, depending on the size and type of bed on the truck. It is never a bad idea to have the mill’s log buyer out to look at the trees on the stump and get a sense of what they want from those sticks. If you want more info, there are others on the site who have more experience that I do in this area (Carl Russell, Mitch Mitchell, etc.). Good luck!
-BradKeymasterConference call # 605-475-4001, code 120059.
KeymasterWorks for me.
November 21, 2011 at 12:59 pm in reply to: Logging workshop hosted by Draft Animal Power Network and The Farm School Athol MA #70074KeymasterLikewise for me Jean and Brad, I was hoping to be of some help on Friday or earlier if needed. Just let me know what I can do or bring. Cell 203-494-4123
November 19, 2011 at 2:18 pm in reply to: Logging in red spruce with horses and bobsled summer 2011 #70364KeymasterNo luck on getting the link to work. But that’s a great video!
November 19, 2011 at 1:44 pm in reply to: Logging in red spruce with horses and bobsled summer 2011 #70365KeymasterWorked for me on FB but not a good link on DAP for me. ( on iPad )
KeymasterWorks for me.
KeymasterHi everyone ,
These are the two in my area that I know of. I’m not a member of either but I know members in each club if you want me to reach out that’s fine. I’m sure that we have members in the forum that are also members of these groups. Also most of us have friends in our social networking sites that are members perhaps, that might work as a better way of reaching out to them more quickly?http://www.northwestctdrafthorse.com/ http://www.easternctdrafthorse.com/KeymasterHi everyone,
Ed I’d like to be in on this call as I’d also like to be part of the P&E comm. in addition I’d also like to help as much as possible on the upcoming workshop in any capacity. You can call anytime if its easier. Thanks, KevinCell 203-494-4123
Home 860-664-0142KeymasterJust think what that experience would have been like with a skidder with the same problems!!
-BradKeymasterEthan-
I learned to drive horses with a Barden cart that Mark Albee, who was my horse mentor, built at Les’ place one winter. We used it with shafts, set up for a single, but it is very easy to convert to a pole and back again. I find that style cart to be unmatched in terms of ease of use and versatility for field work, as well as durability. Also, it is light and easy to move around by hand if needed. In the field, one of the best parts of that set-up is how low to the ground the teamster sits – safe and easy to reach implement handles as you work. On the flip side, I did find that the low clearance was an issue in the woods with stumps and ledgy, coastal ground, but Carl argues that it is not an issue to him. If I was going to the woods with horses, it would not be my first choice for logging alone, but as a versatile tool it is excellent.
-BradKeymasterOne thing I have found helpful to recognize is this. In addition to deciding whether or not to use drops or spreaders, the more important decision is how long to make those drops. I have found that a 6-8″ drop off the hame rings on both the inside and outside works well, but longer than that allow my boys to work further apart than I want them to. Also, my off horse Pete seems to really dislikes the angle of the lines to the bit when I drop more length from the hame rings. I agree with Jen that a simple ring is safer than a big leather heart for the lines crossing between the horses in the team.
KeymasterTristan-
Nice looking forwarder. That looks like a great match for horsepower in the woods. Keep us updated on how that job progresses.
-BradNovember 8, 2011 at 2:01 pm in reply to: Marketing as a horselogger for more than just timber extraction… #69301KeymasterI think you are all on the right track here in terms of diversification. I think the most successful, and happiest, rural folks are those who have diverse skill sets and are able and willing to change gears and address new work opportunities when they come along. Our far is very small and very diverse, with my wife working off the farm at a nurse (gets steady income and health benefits) and we produce pasture fed eggs and meat. Then, when you add some sheep shearing, logging, and teaching, we get get an income stream that keeps us afloat and allows us a lifestyle that we really enjoy. Sure, I don’t love every job I do, but who does? And, most days I really enjoy my work, whether it is farming, logging, or teaching others about how to develop rural skills. Also, I am constantly learning from others I work for and with. That is perhaps the most unusual gift of this work and lifestyle.
KeymasterLike Mark, I have waited to see if other events committee folks would chime in. This seems like a super idea, so let’s go ahead. On the pricing, I think what we have set is fair, and in fact may be a bit cheap given what participants will get out of it. In general, the animal powered community tends, I think, to undervalue and underprice what we offer.
-Brad- AuthorPosts